KOTA KINABALU – In the final push to take Sabah from incumbent Warisan Plus, Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has not given up for a truce among Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidates who will fight their own alliance members come tomorrow.
At the sidelines of a GRS ceramah last night, Hamzah, who is also home minister, said party presidents in the coalition have been told to discuss the matter.
“We have given the task to all party presidents to talk to each other. For the last couple of days, we have done quite a good job.
“And now, all have to focus to make sure that whatever it is, we have (what it takes) to take over the state government.”
Clashes in GRS alliance
Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN), PN and PBS are expected to duke it out in 15 state seats, down from the previous 17.
On September 22, Hamzah had announced that PBS will no longer contest in Bingkor and Tambunan – giving way to PN member Sabah Star.
However, Sabah Star had accepted incumbent Inanam and former PKR assemblyman Kenny Chua’s membership that will see him going against PBS.
His membership came hours after Hamzah had brokered a truce on September 22. Sabah Star president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan had promised that his party will not endorse any independent candidate, including Chua.
When asked, Hamzah gave a curt reply: “Surprise to me.”
PBS secretary-general Datuk Jahid Jahim said he could not comment on the latest election drama.
“I just heard of it. We see how. As I said, I have to check the situation and facts. I’ve been campaigning, I haven’t caught up.”
Jahid said PBS will honour its pact and will not contest in Bingkor and Tambunan.
During the truce announcement, Hamzah had said the four remaining state seats in Liawan, Tulid, Moyog and Paginatan are still under negotiations so PBS can avoid a clash with Sabah Star.
It remains to be seen if GRS can stay united to wrest Sabah from Warisan. – The Vibes, September 25, 2020
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